The IPADA INITIATIVE founded by Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye has received a massive boost from friends from the Diaspora. The Vanuatu Trade Commission in conjunction with African Diaspora Central Bank has rolled out an array of mouth watering knowledge programmes that is about to fast track and elevate Africa in the global competition for contemporary Al knowledge.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hugh Aryee, the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, shared his excitement in a letter to the Founder of IPADA Initiative, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, regarding the launch of a multifaceted AI project aimed at advancing AI-related skills across Africa. Designed to run for a year, this initiative aims to empower Africans by building a foundation of knowledge and skills aligned with global AI standards. As the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, I am optimistic that the IPADA Carnival initiative will expand to reach and positively impact the people of the Republic of Vanuatu, becoming part of our shared journey toward transformative growth and developmen.

The laudable knowledge impacting training programme is for 5 million Africans over a period of one year, of which 5000 participants will be trained during the carnival, in what is tagged business unusual, over a 3 day period, to kick start the programme.

Upon completion of the training programme, the participants will be empowered with AKL Lumi parity value of US $100 and be listed on a learning management system for ongoing learning and career opportunities.

This knowledge based skill programme is therefore set to open the entire African continent to a huge new developmental opportunity, that will likely change the face of Africa.

The initial training of 5000 participants during the IPADA Carnival will definitely set the ball rolling and open the door to Africans to acquire Al knowledge which ordinarily would have cost each African about a whooping US $1000.

Speaking about this to newsmen yesterday, an equally excited Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, commended H.E. Prof. Dr. Hugh Aryee, the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, and the entire government and people of Vanuatu. He said it is a new dawn that will open up a new chapter, in the relationship between Vanuatu and people of African descent.

Furthermore on benefits of the fallout of this breaking news, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye said, “the benefits that will accrue from this, are too overwhelmingly multidimensional. It is going to be a path to a new journey, that will lift Vanuatu to a global space and accord the African continent, fast growth and development.

Asked to say something on the IPADA Initiative, H.E. Prof. Dr. Hugh Aryee became very poetic, as he replied:

“When will the children of Africa and lovers of Africa come back home? The IPADA Carnival Initiative is here, paving the way for thousands to journey back to Africa, reconnect with their roots, and celebrate the unity and strength of our heritage. Join us as we welcome the African Diaspora and lovers of Africa to an unforgettable experience of culture, connection, and celebration. This is more than a homecoming; it’s a powerful reminder that Africa is a vibrant, growing heartbeat, welcoming all who share in its dreams and vision.”

Vanuatu, is an island nation that comprises of 83 islands in the South Pacific ocean, about 800 kilometres west of Fiji and 1800 kilometres east of Australia. The nation reached out to Africa, through IPADA Initiative, and through its Trade Commission in Ghana.

And IPADA which means the return, is a platform created by Motherland Beckons to bring African people from the Diaspora and Lovers of Africa to Africa, to experience the content of Africa through tourism, cultural exchange and business opportunities.

The Ipada Carnival is a ten day long invitation to people of African descent across the globe to experience an unparalleled cultural renaissance in Lagos, Nigeria, at the 65 acres La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort located at Ibeju-lekki.

Social media is agog with tributes for the late veteran Nollywood actor Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as Charles Olumo or “Agbako,” as fans and colleagues share memories of the iconic performer.

On Thursday, the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) announced the passing of Agbako in a statement on Instagram by its president, Bolaji Amusan, also known as Mr. Latin.

He wrote, “#tampanglobal announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as AGBAKO. Details of the burial arrangements will be shared at a later time. Good night father, 25/02/1923 to 31/10/2024.”

Actor Jide Kosoko also confirmed Agbako’s demise as he wrote: “Good night ooo, Baba Charles. a.k.a Agbako, 101 years, ba wasa ba. R I P.”

Actor Kunle Afod said, “Good night pa Charles Olumo (Baba Agbako), the oldest actor. 101 years, Sun re ooo, O dabo, O di Oju Ala.”

Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, wrote, “Awwwwwwww may his soul rest in peace. Wow. Oluwa tobi loba”

Film Maker / Movie Distributor, Kazim Adeoti, wrote, “May his soul rest in peace. Orun ‘re o Baba.”

Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, wrote, “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Nollywood actress Biodun Okeowo, popularly known as Omo Butty, wrote, “Rest well sir. No matter how old our loved ones are, we never want to see them go! Kudos boss Afod for all you do.”

Agbako, born in 1923, was a beloved figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his powerful portrayals of characters like chiefs, warriors, and villains.

Starting his career in stage plays, he seamlessly transitioned to film as the industry evolved, becoming a key figure in Nollywood’s early days.

With memorable roles in classics such as Ogbori Elemosho and Atorunmo, Agbako’s performances captivated audiences for decades and earned him a place as a Yoruba film legend.

Agbako clocked 101 this year.

Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, the ace Nigerian actor popularly known as Charles Olumo and Baba Agbako, has passed away.

Agbako died on October 31, 2024, at the remarkable age of 101.

Bolaji ‘Mr Latin’ Amusan, president of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), announced the actor’s demise via Instagram.

“#tampanglobal announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as AGBAKO,” he wrote.

“Details of the burial arrangements will be shared at a later time. Good night father, 25/02/1923 to 31/10/2024.”

Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko also confirmed Agbako’s demise, paying tribute on social media: “Good night, Baba Charles, a.k.a Agbako. (……) wasa ba. R I P.”

Agbako, who celebrated his 100th birthday last year, was famous especially in the Yoruba film industry, with a career that spans over four decades.

In June, the actor spoke about his visits to movie locations despite his age.

Born on February 19, 1923, in Abeokuta, Ogun state, the film star once worked as a mechanic and later as an amateur boxer before venturing into acting.

He started his acting career in 1953 in the Apostolic Church, Mushin, in Lagos state and later began to train the drama groups of other churches.

Agbako eventually joined Nollywood and gained prominence for his action and scary persona roles in Yoruba films.

He starred in a plethora of movies such as: ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Jagun’, ‘Amin Orun’, ‘Aiye’, ‘Jayesinmi’, ‘Soworo Ide’, and ‘Igbo Dudu’.